Cover lock for gas tanks and the like



y 29, 1934- o. A. WIDERBERG 1,960,361

COVER LOCK FOR GAS TANKS AND THE LIKE Original Filed Sept. 16. 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l we 2A We y' May 29, l934 o. WIDERB ERG 1,960,361

QQVER LUCK FOR GAS TANKS AND THE LIKE Original Filed Sept. 16. 1931 2'Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 29, 1934 COVER LOCK FOR GAS TANKS AND THE LIKE Oscar A. Widerberg, Worcester, Mass.

Application September 16, 1931, Serial No. 563,154

Renewed December 22, 1932 11 Claims.

This invention relates to a cap for an automobile gastank and the like and to means for locking the same to prevent the theft of gas.

The principal objects of the invention are to provide an improved cap and means carried by the cap for supporting an ordinary locking device in position and to provide means entirely beneath the cap for supporting the various parts which are necessary to secure a locking device in position and make it inaccessible from the outside. The invention also involves improve ments over my prior Patent No. 1,722,615, patented July 30, 1929.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is an elevation of the top of a gas tank and its filling inlet showing a preferred embodiment of this invention applied thereto in locked condition and in diametrical section;

Fig. 2 is a plan of the same;

Fig. 3 is a diametrical sectional View of the cap itself;

Fig. 4 is a plan of the same with parts broken away or in section;

Fig. 5 is a diametrical sectional View of the lock cap and keyhole plate with the lock shown in elevation;

Fig. 6 is a plan of the same;

Fig. '7 is a bottom plan as indicated by the arrow 7 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a diametrical sectional view of the lock casing in which the lock is mounted;

Fig. 9 is a plan of the same;

Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the outer lock spring;

Fig. =11 is a plan of the same;

Fig. 12 is a diametrical sectional View of the spring casing;

Fig. 13 is a plan of the same;

Fig. 14 is a diametrical sectional view partly in elevation of the lock collar;

Fig. 15 is a plan of the same, Figs. 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 14 constituting sectional views which, together show six of the parts of this invention spread out and separated but otherwise in proper relation to each other;

Fig. 16 is a plan of the filling inlet shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view on the line 17-47 of Fig. 16, and

Fig. 18 is an end elevation of the supporting ring forthe cap and the pivotal connection by which the cap is mounted on it.

The invention is shown as applied to a gas tank 7 having a cylindrical sheet metal filling inlet 8, as usual. This filling inlet as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, is of the usual construction having a convex annular flange 9 around the top and extending inwardly and provided with two slots or notches 10 located opposite each other for a well known purpose. The inner sides of the convex portion 9 are provided with cams 11 which serve about the same purpose in this case as usual, being adapted ordinarily to receive a pair of outwardly extending flanges on the outer locking spring and tighten the cap in place as it is turned, the cams, of course, being opposite. This device is substantially the wellknown bayonet attachment.

For. the purpose of securing the cap on this filling cylinder 8 a ring 12 is employed, screwthreaded internally from top to bottom. At the bottom is a ring 13 shown as screwed into the bottom of the ring 12 although it could be integral with it. These two rings are shown as being secured together by a set screw 14. The ring 13 bears on the surface of the cylinder 8.

The top of the ring 13 is beveled to receive a split clamping ring 15. This split ring is beveled at the top and bottom and fits the bevel surface of the ring 13 and is provided with a knurled inner face and is also provided with a circumferential internal groove 16. Above this ring is a nut 17, which is beveled at the bottom and screw-threaded into the ring 12. The ring 15 is split and contractibie but, of course, does not engage the screw-threads. The turning of the nut 17 inwardly will cause the two beveled surfaces of the ring 15 to be put under pressure between the beveled surfaces of the ring 13 and nut, 17 and thus force this split ring 15 inwardly about the outer surface of the inlet 8 and clamp the whole device thereto. This furnishes means for anchoring the parts above to the cylinder 8 and firmly securing to the cylinder 8 this supporting ring 12 which constitutes the support for the parts to be described. It will be noticed that the features just described are substantially the same as described in my above mentioned patent.

According to this invention the ring 12 is provided with a pair of ears 13 which are perforated and spaced apart. Into these perforations extend the ends 19 of a circular spring 20 preferably formed of round wire. These ends are bent downwardly and outwardly and constitute a pivot for this ring. This ring is sprung into the concave edge 21 of a lock casing 22 which constitutes what might be called the main part of the cap. This lock casing is in the form of a fiat circular plate having a cylindrical portion 23 extending upwardly from it and a generally cylindrical portion 24 extending downwardly. It is in the interior of this cylindrical portion that the lock is located. On the bottom of the fiat plate of the lock casing 22 is an annular boss 25 integral with the plate and constituting a bearing as will appear. The lock casing 22 also has a depending circular. flange 28 which projects downwardly around certain parts to be described and extends down substantially to the ring 12 so that it constitutes means for preventing the insertion of the fingers or tools to injure or loosen the parts.

Sprung over the convex outer edge of this look casing so as to turn with it is a strong sheet metal cap 26. This cap has a circular opening 27 in the center. In the lock casing 22 is located a lock 42. The keyhole of this look is at the top and is closed by a pivoted springpressed cap 43. This lock is shown as provided with a locking bolt 44. The locking bolt is adapted to be projected into an internal circumferential groove 60 to prevent the look from rising. This groove serves as a slot for receiving the lock bolt 44 and need not be circumferential but is made so to reduce the cost of construction. The lock is also provided with a guiding projection 46 fixed in position and moving in a vertical guide slot 47 through the cylinder 24 so that the lock itself is not capable of turning in the casing 22. When the locking bolt 44 is projected, the lock cannot be raised in the casing.

Held under the lock casing and resting on the convex surface 9 is located a leather gasket or the like 30 and on this is a spring casing 36 which supports a sheet metal outer lock spring 32. This spring is made of a piece of flat metal cut to an annular form with two opposite flanges 33 extending downwardly and these are bent out at the bottom to form two feet 34 projecting outwardly opposite each other in the same plane. These feet 34 are adapted to be moved down through the openings 10 and turned into contact with the cam surfaces 11 to hold the device in position. 'The boss 25 rests on the spring 32 and is rounded on the bottom to reduce the friction.

In assembling, these two feet 34 are passed down through two openings 35 in the spring casing 36 and this spring casing is fixed with respect to the outer lock spring 32 thereby. This spring casing is generally cylindrical with a fiat upper surface through which the openings 35 extend and the cylindrical portion is provided with opposite grooves 37 constituting a continuation of these openings 35 and ways for receiving the flanges 33 and preventing relative rotary motion between these two parts 32 and 36.

On the inside the spring casing 36 is provided with an internal circular set of teeth and notches 33. At the bottom a lock collar 39 having a continuous flat bottom and a continuous cylindrical side fits into the spring casing and extends up to the teeth 38.

The look collar 39 is permanently fixed to the bottom of the cylinder 24, as by pressing it on the cylinder, or in any other way. Its purpose is to prevent tampering with the interior when the cap is open. This collar has a slot 59 registering with the slot 47 into which the guide 46 enters.

The cap 26 and lock casing 22 are fixed together by spinning or binding the edge of the cap around the convex edge of the casing 22. The cylinder 23 supports the cap near the center and they are supported on the circular spring 20 so that they can be turned back, as one piece, about the pivots 19 and so that when unlocked they can be turned on a vertical axis. The parts 36 and 32, being fixedly connected together and the teeth 38 projecting into an annular space between the bottom of a shoulder on the cylinder 24 of the lock casing and the top of the collar 39, the cap 26 can be turned by hand on these parts 32 and 36. The element composed of the parts 32 and 36 is fixed to the cylinder 8 by means of the cams 11 and projections 34 when the cap is closed.

When the key is inserted and the bolt 44 withdrawn from the groove 60, a spring 52 resting on a ledge 53 moves up the lock cap 51 to which the lock 42 is fixed. The rise of the lock, of course, carries with it the guide 46 along the slot 47 and into a position between two of the teeth 38. A little turn of the cap usually is necessary to bring them into register with the guide 46. Now the cap is free to be turned by hand. The whole device can be swung about the pivots 19 as is indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1.

When the key is inserted it pushes the lock 42 down in opposition to the spring 52 to permit release. Also, the lock cap 51 can be pushed down until the bolt 44 registers with the groove 60.

In this way the cap is held when on the inlet 8 and locked. However, when unlocked and closed the cap can be turned.

Although I have illustrated and described only one form of the invention, I am aware of the fact that modifications can be made therein by any person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims. Therefore, I do not wish to be limited to all the details of construction herein shown and described, but what I do claim is:--

1. In an inlet closing device, the combination of a supporting member fixed on the inlet pipe, a ring pivoted to said supporting member, a lock casing mounted on said ring, a lock in the casing having a projection, the bolt of the lock being adapted to engage the casing to prevent the lifting of the lock therein, a stationary spring casing having a circular horizontal set of teeth, yielding means for moving the lock up when the bolt is withdrawn by unlocking it, said projection being adapted to move up with the lock and enter between two of said teeth to prevent the rotation of the lock with respect to said spring casing, and means for engaging the inlet pipe and securing the lock casing thereto by turning the same, whereby, when the device is unlocked, the lock casing can be freed from the inlet pipe and swung back about the pivot to permit filling.

2. In a cap for the inlet opening of a tank or the like, the combination of a supporting member mounted on the inlet pipe and secured thereto, a ring pivoted to said supporting member, a lock casing mounted on said ring so as to be rotatable thereon, a lock in the casing having a projection, the bolt of the lock being adapted to engage the casing so as to prevent the lifting of the lock therein, permanent means carried by the lock for preventing the rotation of the lock relative to the casing, a stationary spring casing having a set of teeth on the inside, and yielding means for moving the lock up when the bolt 1s withdrawn by unlocking it, said projection being adapted to move up with the lock and enter between two of said teeth to prevent the rotation of the lock with respect to said spring casing.

3. In a device for closing the top of the inlet pipe of a tank or the like, the combination of a lock casing, a lock yieldingly mounted in said casing to rise by the yielding action when freed, the casing having a slot into which the bolt of the lock is adapted to enter when projected to hold the look from rising in the casing, a projection on the look, a casing separate from the lock casing, means whereby the turning of the first-named casing will turn the second casing, and a lock spring fixed to the second casing and having outward projections by which both casings can be secured to the inlet pipe or released therefrom.

4. In a device for closing the top of the inlet pipe of a tank or the like, the combination of a lock casing having a tubular central portion, a lock yieldingly mounted in said tubular por tion, the tubular portion having an annular groove into which the bolt of the lock is adapted to enter when projected to hold the look from rising in the casing, a projection fixed on the lock and projecting through a slot in the casing, and a spring casing separate from the lock casing and having a set of teeth located in position to be entered by said projection when the lock bolt is withdrawn and the lock rises, where by the turning of the first-named casing will turn the second casing.

5. In a theft-preventing device for a gasoline tank or the like having an inlet pipe provided with opposite notches and opposite cams at the top, the combination of a lock casing having a cylindrical part provided with a slot, a cap surrounding and fixed to the lock casing and having an opening in the center, a lock in the cylindrical portion of the lock casing having a spring for forcing it outwardly through said opening when released, the lock bolt being adapted to enter said slot and hold the lock depressed, a spring casing having an inwardly extending ledge provided with teeth, means on the lock adapted to enter between the teeth when the lock is released and raised to prevent turning of the teeth relative to the lock, said spring casing being mounted on the cylindrical part of the lock casing, and means adapted toengage said cam surface.

6. In a theft-preventing device for a gasoline tank or the like having an inlet pipe provided with opposite notches and opposite cams at the top, the combination of a lock casing provided with a groove and a longitudinal slot through its side, a sheet metal cap surrounding and fixed to the lock casing and having an opening in the center, a lock in the cylindrical portion of the lock casing having a spring for forcing it outwardly into said opening when released, the lock bolt being adapted to enter said groove and hold the lock depressed, a fixed projection extending from the lock through the slot, a spring casing having an inwardly extending ledge provided with teeth which the projection is adapted to enter between when the lock is released and raised, said spring casing beingmounted independently on the cylindrical part of the lock casing, an outer lock spring resting on the spring casma and secured thereto to cause the two to rotate together and having outward projections adapted to engage said cam surfaces, and a lock collar filling the bottom of said spring casing and secured to it.

7. In a theft-proof cap for the filling pipe of a gas tank or the like, the combination of a lock casing, a lock therein, a spring for raising the lock when unlocked, a spring casing on the lock casing, means fixed on the lock for holding the lock spring casing and lock casing against relative turning when the lock is unlocked and consequently raised by the spring, and means carried by the spring casing for securing it to the filling pipe.

8. In a theft-proof cap for the intake orifice of gasoline tanks and the like, a member equipped with means for attaching it to an intake neck, a spring casing carrying a series of teeth, a look, a hand-hold cover member operably associated with said member and formed and constructed to serve as a bearing for the lock, key controlled means for releasably looking the lock in its lower position and a lug on said lock adapted operably to engage one of the said several teeth on said supporting member when the lock is unlocked and in its raised position, whereby motion of the handhold cover member is transmitted to the first mentioned member for engaging or disengaging it from the intake attaching means.

9. In a lock for closing an inlet, the combination of a lock casing having a cylindrical portion in the inlet provided with an internal slot, a lock located in said casing and having a lock bolt adapted to be projected into said slot to prevent longitudinal motion of the lock in the casing, said lock being longitudinally movable when the bolt is withdrawn, yielding means for moving the lock outwardly in the casing when the bolt is withdrawn, whereby, the lock can be pushed inwardly by hand to bring the bolt back into registration with said groove.

10. In a lock for closing an inlet, the combination of a lock casing having a cylindrical portion in the inlet provided with an internal slot, a lock located in said casing and having a lock bolt adapted to be projected into said slot to prevent longitudinal motion of the lock in the casing, said lock being longitudinally movable when the bolt is withdrawn, yielding means for moving the lock outwardly in the casing when the bolt is withdrawn, whereby,

the lock can be pushed inwardly to bring the bolt back into registration with said slot.

11. In a device for closing an inlet orifice, the combination of a lock casing for releasably sealing the inlet orifice comprising a plate covering the orifice and a hollow cylindrical part located in the inlet orifice said cylindrical part having an internal groove, a lock slidably mounted in said cylindrical part and having a bolt adapted to register with said groove when the lock is forced inwardly and to lock the lock against longitudinal motion when the bolt is projected into the groove, and a spring for normally holding the lock projecting far enough to prevent the bolt entering the groove.

OSCAR A. WIDERBERG. 

